How it works
Your mitochondria (the parts of the cell that make energy) need NAD+ to work. NAD+ also switches on sirtuins and PARP enzymes. These are involved in DNA repair and in signals linked to aging. NAD+ levels in your tissues drop as you get older.
The evidence
Taking NAD+ directly is still being actively studied. Most of the strong human evidence is on oral precursors, building blocks your body turns into NAD+. These are nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide. They raise NAD+ levels in tissue by a measurable amount. Raising a level hasn't been shown to improve energy, recovery, or aging, and the evidence for NAD+ shots is still limited.
Typical dosing
Shot: 100–500 mg under the skin, 1–3× a week, with a clinician supervising. Nasal spray: 50–100 mg daily, on and off.
Side effects
Common
- Flushing
- Headache
- Nausea (more likely at higher doses)
Less common
- Reactions where you inject
Drug interactions
- Generally few. Check with your clinician if you take metformin
